Varicose Veins
It is estimated that over six million people in the UK suffer from varicose veins - five million of which are women. Varicose veins are thought to be a hereditary condition.
Varicose veins are not regarded as a particularly dangerous problem, but they can be very painful and unsightly.
Veins are equipped with non-return valves to assist the return journey of blood to the heart. These valves are particularly important in the legs but sometimes become slightly ineffective, resulting in a slight backflow of blood and weakening the vein walls. Eventually the vein becomes permanently elongated and dilated resulting in pain.
There are two main underlying causes of varicose veins:
- Insufficient number of valves in the vein
- Weakness in the walls of the vein
These will not cause problems by themselves, but, in partnership with one of the following, will cause varicose veins:
- Pregnancy - Hormonal changes result in relaxation of muscle walls.
- Injury - Valves can be damaged by knocks.
- Constriction - Diseases of heart or lungs that cause blood pressure changes.
- Constipation - Swelling or tumours may encourage formation of varicose veins.
- Occupational - Standing or sitting in one position for too long, inactivity.
Treatments
- In the early stages there are no outward signs of symptoms but there is a feeling of heaviness and a general aching sensation in the legs. At this point it is advisable to wear Graduated Support Tights or Knee Highs - which are designed to help support the leg, improve circulation and reduce tiredness and swollen ankles and are available in different support levels, colours and sizes.
- Injections (Sclerotherapy)
- Surgery a) Ligation b) Stripping
- Compression Therapy
Complications
Pregnancy and Varicose Veins
You would be right in thinking that one bump is enough during pregnancy, but if you don't take care of your legs, the unsightly lumps and bumps associated with varicose veins may also appear and, once you've got them, they are difficult to get rid of.
Preventing Varicose Veins
Prevention is obviously the best way of dealing with the problem of varicose veins, and the secret is to start wearing compression hosiery to support your legs as soon as you try to conceive.
The reason for this is that hormonal changes take place in the legs during the first ten weeks of pregnancy, when mothers-to-be may not even know they are pregnant. These hormonal changes cause the blood vessel walls to relax and combined with increased blood volume during pregnancy, varicose veins can occur. You are also at risk during the later stages of pregnancy when the weight of your baby can press heavily on the veins in the groin, causing an additional 'blockage' effect.
Family History of Varicose Veins
It's worth checking out your own mother's legs as varicose veins tend to be hereditary. So if your mother had varicose veins whilst pregnant, all the more reason to wear compression hosiery to prevent vein problems yourself.
Compression Hosiery on Prescription
A recent article in Pregnancy Magazine agreed that support stockings "are your weapon" [against varicose veins], and the article points out that pregnant women are entitled to a free prescription for three pairs of Activa compression hosiery. If you are concerned about your legs during your pregnancy see your doctor or midwife for more information about compression hosiery.
Wearing Hosiery
Activa hosiery is clinically proven to help prevent varicose veins and is made from Lycra soft and Tactel nylon, so it looks like regular hosiery. You won't look like Nora Batty in wrinkled, beige stockings! You can wear a pair of below knee ribbed socks in black or brown or below knee hosiery in black, sand or honey. The below knee length is normally all you will need and won't get in the way of your bump. Thigh length stockings are also available.
If you have already found Activa compression hosiery to be of help during pregnancy, and would like to share your story with other people please email pregnancy@ccdpr.com